Tahbilk Winery: Find Out Why This Hidden Oasis is on Our Radar in 2024

Down a grand avenue lined with mulberry trees sits Victoria’s oldest family-owned winery and vineyard. Picture it. The sun is beaming down; you roll past a tundra of verdant vines stretched out as far as the eye can see. 

You've arrived at Tahbilk Winery. This hidden and historic oasis lies nestled amongst the backwaters and creeks of the Tahbilk Wetland. It is picture-perfect - and a mecca for Marsanne and Shiraz enthusiasts. 

Its name takes cues from its storybook location, which the local Aboriginal people first referred to as “tabilk-tabilk”, meaning “place of many waterholes.”

We've gone behind the vines to get the inside scoop on why you need to add Tahbilk Winery to your bucket list this year. 

Tahbilk Winery puts new meaning to the word vintage. It's a rare thing in Australia; a heritage winery framed by five generations of the same family.

The family in question is the Purbrick family, who purchased Tahbilk in 1925 and have been proving the winery's viniferous worth ever since. 

But things weren't always so smooth sailing for Tahbilk. Established in 1860, it's founders were two adventurers - the poet, politician and man of action, Richard Horne, and the fiery French-born remittance man, surveyor and self-proclaimed wine expert, Ludovic Marie. Drawn to Australia's gold discoveries of the 1850's, they were aided along by one of Victoria's richest men, Hugh Glass, who owned this prosperous land on the banks of the Goulburn River. From there, this vineyard developed quickly to become a major Victorian enterprise. 

However, these two adventurers did not stick around for long, and Hugh Glass suffered financial ruin and died soon after. This venture might have foundered entirely, but Tahbilk was fortunate in attracting more stable types who kept it going, including a wealthy, wine loving family, The Bears. 

The enterprise that become Chateau Tahbilk continued to have its ups and downs throughout the years, but today it's enchanting cellar door and surrounding buildings stand tall as a model historic property. Intrinsically linked to its colourful past - but by no means bound by it. 

Most of the world thinks Australia's wine industry just sprang up yesterday - but it's actually much older than we commonly give it credit. In fact, there's a reason this beloved Heathcote has proven to be the envy of any Bordeaux chateaux. 

Tahbilk has a rich source of old vineyards and iconic single vineyard wines, including Victoria’s oldest Shiraz, planted in 1860, and Australian’s oldest Marsanne, planted in 1927. 

The best way to experience these impeccable grapes is with a Cellar Door tasting. Discover each beautifully crafted wine, under the guidance of one of Tahbilk's dedicated wine ambassadors. They'll introduce you to the varietals they are most known for, Marsanne and Shiraz, as well as aged wines that have matured in their incredible underground cellars.

Tahbilk's expressions of Marsanne are a real highlight; sparkling, still, aged and sweet. Their sparkling wines are also seriously underrated. 

Complimentary tastings run for around 25 minutes. It's best to arrive between 1.00pm to 4.00pm, when you can sip to the accompaniment of live music. 

The best way to experience Tahbilk Winery is to make a day of it. Following your tasting, make a beeline for the Tahbilk Estate Restaurant. Sitting peacefully along the backwaters of the Tahbilk billabong, it offers beautiful views across the water and into the wetlands beyond. Relax on the deck, dappled in sunlight, charmed by birdsong...and dazzled by the delicious local produce being served up. 

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you can settle in for a round of thoughtfully crafted small plates; a showcase of the tastes of the region. The local salami plate and housemade mushroom, parmesan and truffle croquettes are seriously delicious, served with a glass of their new summer spritz. 

Tahbilk Estate Restaurant's larger a la carte menu runs Thursday through Monday, which includes larger plates of hand rolled gnocchi and their impeccable Seacuterie Plate - aka summer on a plate. Indulge in East Coast Rock oysters, salmon roe and creme fraiche and smoked trout rillette alongside a prawn cocktail. Served with grilled sourdough, it's best paired with Tahbilk's 1927 Vines Marsanne - a 2015 vintage. 

We might be in the minority here, but exploring an underground cellar is a supremely underrated experience. It's said that Tahbilk even has its very own ghosts down here. Friendly ghosts, mind you! 

Tahbilk's first underground cellar was excavated in 1862 and by 1863 was in full use. It continues to be in use to this day. Although currently not part of the visitor experience, plans are in place to reopen them as part of a tour of the property. 

The cottages, sheds, stables and the blacksmith shop remaining on the property today were also built between 1860 and 1865. Strolling past them is a little like stepping back in time. A living history museum in full motion. 

Speaking of museums; pay a visit to the onsite Len Evans Museum. It's a chance to garner more insight into the people, stories and ingenuity that brought Tahbilk to where it stands today. 

A visit to Tahbilk Winery wouldn't be complete without boarding an eco-trail cruise. Meander down along the waterways and well established wetlands and shift your perspective; from the boldness of Tahbilk's storied shiraz to the the wonders of the natural world. It's a tangible, visual representation of Tahbilk's ambitions to be leaders in environmental representation.

You might also like to take a stroll along more than four kilometres of dedicated Tahbilk Eco Trails pathways and boardwalks, but we recommend sitting back and taking it all with a guided commentary from your knowledgeable Captain on a Tahbilk Eco Cruise. There's the option to hop off and explore or stay on board and just enjoy the ride.

It takes 45 minutes to complete a round trip - and during that time, the sheer beauty of the lily-fringed billabong will become undeniable. Tranquility can be found amongst cormorants taking a dive and the resonating buzz of insects and frog song. 

* Email admin@tahbilk.com.au to book.

Tahbilk Sunday Sips occur every fourth Sunday of the month in the Tahbilk Cellar Yard, along with at the Nagambie Farmers' Market. This vibrant assortment of stalls offer up some of the best regional produce available. Pop along for a coffee and be tempted by a range that includes homemade gelato, fantastic local mushrooms, hot sauce, second hand books and seedlings. 

Tahbilk Winery isn't just a winery - it's a lifestyle. Planning your visit immediately? Just 1.45 hours outside of Melbourne, it really is an easy day trip that will have you reaping all the rewards. The perfect conjecture of great food and wine, welcoming people and striking nature tend to have that effect, after all.

For more great wine regions around Victoria, be sure to check out our guide here. Or if you're seeking more open road and dreamy landscapes, these Victorian waterfalls will more than fit the bill.